Ahmedabad : CCCR and PDEU joinelt organized media workshop on corona vaccine campaign. Centre for Communication of Child Rights (CCCR) – an initiative of UNICEF & Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) organised a media workshop on COVID-19 vaccination campaign in collaboration with Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Gujarat and All India Radio, Ahmedabad here today. The aim was to spread the awareness of the All India Radio (AIR) personnel from various districts of Gujarat on the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination campaign with the continued adherence to COVID-19 appropriate behavior. Addressing the participants, Dr. Jani, State Immunization Officer, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Gujarat spoke about the importance of full immunization. He said, “It is essential people take both the doses of the vaccine, so they are protected.” He also sought the support of the media in busting myths and misconceptions and educating the masses using logic and facts. Dr. Narayan Gaonkar, Health Specialist, UNICEF shared how UNICEF has supported the Government of Gujarat and partners in increasing awareness about the vaccine by providing timely technical inputs, adjusting with the needs of the people and through strategic partnerships. Moira Dawa, Communication, Advocacy & Partnership Specialist, UNICEF shared insights on how radio partners can contribute to the ongoing vaccination campaign. She highlighted UNICEF’s initiatives wherein young people, influencers and celebrities had been roped in to promote key messages around the largest vaccination drive and the adherence to covid appropriate behaviors.
Speaking to the participants, Sharmila Ray, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF spoke on safe school re-opening. She said, “Schools are spaces which ensure not only a child’s education but overall well being too. It is very important for schools to open with all appropriate COVID mitigation measures in place.” In the panel discussion Dr. Mona Desai urged all women to take care of their health and get vaccinated as soon as possible. Dr. Ashish Mehta said the vaccines are completely safe and it is important for pregnant women to get vaccinated as it helps safeguard the child in the womb.” The workshop was moderated by Professor Pradeep Mallik, CCCR Lead, PDPU and attended by N.L Chauhan, Deputy Director General, All India Radio, Navalsangh Parmar, Deputy Director, News, Jagdish Patadia, Deputy Director, News, Yogesh Pandya, Assistant Director, News, Vedant Sharma, Project Associate, CCCR PDEU and AIR personnel from across Gujarat.
